Dear Baseballkid,

Sexual abstinence is defined in different ways by different people, organizations, cultures, and religions. For most, the concept of abstinence does not include any type of sexual activity with another person. This is the definition that we use.

Some people disagree, and they use the word "abstinence" to mean going without vaginal intercourse. Many other people use the word "outercourse" to refer to abstinence from vaginal or anal intercourse while allowing other forms of sex play.

Abstinence that does not include any type of sex play is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.